The Rundown: Van Hollen hopes Jensen case avoids retrial

The Rundown is a weekday synopsis of news involving politics and
government from the pages of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, as well as
headlines of note from elsewhere.

One of the top stories of the year was the Court of Appeals decision overturning the felony convictions of former Assembly Speaker Scott Jensen (R-Town of Brookfield). In an interview, Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said he hopes a second trial can be avoided, arguing it would be in the best interest of all parties to resolve the case without another trial.

Jan. 1 means a $1-per-pack increase in the state's cigarette tax, and those buying cigarettes over the Internet will get a warning from the state Department of Revenue reminding them of the need to pay state taxes on their purchases.

Gov. Jim Doyle is looking ahead to 2008, and he told the Associated Press he's concerned the state Legislature will do little of substance in its remaining session days.